Abstract

The aim of these guidelines is to provide recommendations regarding the monitoring and management of risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), in adults over the age of 18 years with psychosis, taking into account the effects of antipsychotic medications and with particular emphasis on overweight and diabetes. Most of the evidence reviewed in support of these recommendations comes from studies of people with schizophrenia. However, a proportion also comes from studies that include people with other forms of psychosis, who are receiving treatment with the same antipsychotic medications as those with schizophrenia. Thus, it seems reasonable that most of the findings relating to cardiometabolic risk and its management can be generalised across the spectrum of common psychotic disorders, although they can most reliably be applied to people with schizophrenia. We also review relevant key points from current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the management of diabetes and cardiovascular risk. (Journal of Psychopharmacology Aug 2016;30(8):717-748)